University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Evaluating behavioral avoidance and horizontal transmission of Beauveria bassiana in bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) across spatially complex environments

Basnet, Vinisha Singh

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130045

Description

Title
Evaluating behavioral avoidance and horizontal transmission of Beauveria bassiana in bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) across spatially complex environments
Author(s)
Basnet, Vinisha Singh
Issue Date
2025-07-18
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Schneider, Daniel W
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Schneider, Daniel W
Committee Member(s)
  • Allan, Brian F
  • Stone, Christopher M
Department of Study
Entomology
Discipline
Entomology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
  • Entomopathogenic fungus
  • Aprehend
  • four-way arena choice
  • complex environment.
Abstract
The resurgence of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) since 1990’s has led to an increased dependence on chemical insecticides like pyrethroids and neonicotinoids for control. The use of such pesticides has further led to an evolved biological resistance among bed bug strains. As a result, the entomopathogenic fungus like Beauveria bassiana, in the form of commercial biopesticide Aprehend, is gaining attention as an alternative control measure. Laboratory studies confirm the efficacy and potential for horizontal transmission of Beauveria bassiana between bed bugs. However, we lack empirical studies that examine: (1) the extent to which bed bugs behaviorally avoid fungal spores; and (2) how spatially complex or cluttered environments affect fungal transmission in real-world situations. In this study, I conducted behavioral assays to understand if bed bugs avoid Aprehend-treated areas and if horizontal transmission decreases in spatially complex arenas and higher densities. My results showed no significant avoidance, as bed bugs chose treated and control zones at similar rates. Horizontal transmission was high across all spatially complex arenas and densities. However, survival results showed that while spatially complex arenas had no significant impact, density did affect the survival time of bed bugs exposed to Aprehend. Bed bugs in high density arenas survived longer, which could be due to some form of social protection. These findings shows that Aprehend is effective even in highly complex or cluttered environments and that density plays an important role in influencing survival time within bed bug colonies.
Graduation Semester
2025-08
Type of Resource
Thesis
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130045
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2025 Vinisha Basnet

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